**78th Street Draft Concept Plan Update**

Seems like the folks over at the County are indeed going to make a live appearance tomorrow evening at the Public Service Center information display for the 78th Street Draft Concept proposal. I know it's not much notice, but I guess we've all come to expect this sort of thing. Here's the note I just got from an "anonymous" individual here at CCF&F.

On August 13th from 5-7pm the Public Service Building will be open with staff there to answer questions about the three concepts.

Clark County Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver

Wish I could go, but I'm going to see rock star farmer, and agricultural pioneer Joel Salatin tomorrow. I'm sure that my not being there won't break many hearts, but I hope YOU can make it out there. If you go, be sure to ask some good questions. Let 'em know that you're not too keen on the idea of spending the money on developing a bunch of infrastructure until they figure out just how the agricultural land will be used at the site and that you're in favor of Concept I until they get a better plan for ag in place. Also, ask them if they realize that the best land available at the site for use for four season crop production is being proposed as an area of expansion for Hazel Dell Park.

Dear Clark County, Please Hire a Professional Editor...

Another day dawns and here I am, still correcting the shoddy work done by people making obscene amounts of money, in a crappy economy, and being paid with YOUR TAX DOLLARS. One would think that there are many, many unemployed professionals who would dedicate themselves to a better job of creating and editing government documents that would be released to the public. I guess JLA has sat on their laurels too long and have grown complacent from their years of "serving" the County under the BS Morris regime...ahhhh...good times those were. But all good things must end and it's time to pull that sow off of the public teat. It's grown fat and lazy. Truthfully though, all of the blame can't be placed on JLA, our County officials have been accepting of JLA's shoddy work and continue to review the documents produced by JLA with what must not amount to much more than a sideways glance, rubber stamp "approved", and then cut another check.

Mr. McCauley & Jeanne, let me give you a hint and you see if you can find the ridiculous error you still have glaring at those of us who are still convinced you are co-conspirators in subterfuge and lies...but we're still willing too consider that gross incompetence might be the politically correct answer to why things have gone the way they have. As long as you are willing to be publicly accountable for your actions and stop wasting our tax dollars on incompetence. Take that to mean what you think. I'm happy to be as specific as you'd like in a public meeting or via e-mail correspondence, but I don't truly believe you people are made of stern enough stuff to do the honorable thing.

Actually, lets make this really fun...a game that we can all play as a community. Today, or maybe after I smacked them over the head yesterday afternoon, the County & JLA recounted the total for the "Dot" exercise from the April 9th Workshop...again. And lo and behold, rather than not existing (the first count) or 5 dots (the 2nd count?), the TACER actually had 66 DOTS. But here's the thing, there are multiple documents that discuss the results of the workshop and the exercise and they are all equally as important. Especially the first main document which reviews and summarizes the results of the workshop. So, CCF&F readers, Clark County staff, and employees of JLA, you need to go to this document:

Workshop Comments Summary

And find the big, screaming, gigantic, glaring error that makes this entire document not worth two cents. And I know it cost the taxpayers more than two cents...I'll give you one more hint. The mistake in the dot count directly relates to the error in this document. If the County and JLA actually correct this mistake as quickly as they did the one from yesterday, I'll be impressed. If they will publicly acknowledge on the Documents page that there are errors that have been corrected and note what those errors are and where they can be found, I'll be really impressed.

BTW, we are saving all versions of these documents that we can...just in case the County can't find their old copies and would like to review the originals. My guess is since they don't bother to edit, fact check, or make note of corrections in revised versions of documents, then they probably don't archive previous versions of documents either. How positively convenient!

The winner will get a gift certificate for $20 worth of merchandise from either the Battle Ground Farmers Market, Dee Creek Farm, or Nature's Choice.

The first person to e-mail me with the correct answer will be the winner.

Good Luck!

78th Street/WSU/Old Poor Farm Property Concept Plan Survey

Clark County has just posted the much anticipated 78th Street/WSU/Old Poor Farm Concept Plan Survey on their web site. You can (and should) participate in the survey by clicking the link below:

Survey Link

Here's your opportunity to weigh in on the future development of this unique and very special place. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and pass the word along to all of your friends and neighbors.

Not sure what all of the fuss about 78th Street is? Follow the links below to get up to speed:

http://www.clark.wa.gov/78WSU/
http://www.abundancepermaculture.com/papers.html
http://feralsophist.blogspot.com/
http://clarkfoodfarm.blogspot.com/2009/03/wsu-78th-st-master-plan-whats-happening.html
http://clarkfoodfarm.blogspot.com/2009/03/wsu78th-street-project-update.html
http://clarkfoodfarm.blogspot.com/2009/03/comment-regarding-wsu78th-street.html
http://clarkfoodfarm.blogspot.com/2009/03/78th-street-aggies.html
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=59654344791&ref=nf
http://clarkfoodfarm.blogspot.com/2009/03/78th-street-project-april-9th-workshop.html

Deston Denniston's New Conceptual Drawing for 78th Street

Our very own 78th Street Aggies Steward of Abundance, Deston Denniston was hard at work this weekend while the rest of us were eating the ears off of our chocolate bunnies. Check out his latest conceptual plan for the development of the 78th Street/Old Poor Farm site at the Abundance Permaculture web site or scroll down to see it right here.
Nice work Deston!

April 9 Integrated Concept Plan

~This integrated conceptual plan is intended to illustrate elements discussed by the 78th St. Sounding Board (SB), its Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), and other suggestions which fulfill the Sounding Board Principles. This illustration suggests possible 15 year goals for the site. Community workshops offered over the next year to develop integrated design, and culminating in a public charrette, will offer better education opportunities to the citizens of Clark County, increased and collaborative community participation, and lower costs to taxpayers than a conventional RFP. Cultivating a diverse set of stakeholders will produce design details deeply reflective of our community. Sweat equity leading to a sense of community ownership will provide social capital for the project a conventional RFP process for design and build cant compete with.

This site design methodology, suggested in the TAC Executive Report fulfills the following Sounding Board principles:

1.Celebrate our agricultural heritage.

2.Interpret Clark County and WSU’s presence at the site.

3.Showcase and promote sustainable and commercial agricultural practices. ~Secure, local, seasonal, organic, biodynamic farming, and permaculture.

4.Support agricultural research that supports sustainable farming practices.

5.Enhance community wellness and inspire life-long learning.

6.Promote community volunteerism.

7.Integrate a variety of activities and resources that provide community access.

8.Reflect sound fiscal policy in decision-making matters.

Key Notes:

* Throughout the integrated concept map, in association with some element numbers, will be CAPITAL letters clarifying management goals.

A: Natives species only area, habitat & conservation, bordering much of north half of the site interior.

B: Native and cultivar plantings for habitat and wildcrafting.

Recommendations for materials and methods used in the construction of the following elements can be found in the TAC Executive Report (PDF).

1. Farmers Market/Auxiliary Parking:About 40 stalls; Local, fresh produce and value added products sold by onsite and offsite producers. Auxiliary parking for 120-150 during events. Landmark placement of Old Silo.

2.County Offices: Farmbudsman, forester, and other ag/forestry operations; cultural, historic, and other sustainability offices, libraries, public resources. Taking full advantage of space as living museum. Also meeting space /classroom, and workshop space. Carriage houses used for onsite electric shuttle & other public services; Historic Preservation.

3.Local Grinds: Restaurant featuring fresh food from local farms, organic when possible. Features Cafe/Deli Lunch Counter and sit down Fine Dining with biodynamic/organic wines and beers. A service oriented non profit in association with a local schools, revenue is held in a scholarship fund for high school students. College interns earn credit and income through food service and produce production.

4.Police Substation: Neighborhood patrols and primary site access point and control for events. 4a) Entry Kiosk for events. Note kiosk near 22, Hazel Dell Community Center, as well.

5.Food Bank/WSU: Oregon Food Bank (OFB) Warehouse, WSU Extension Offices, commercial certified kitchen. OFB Operations, WSU Professional Continuing Education, food and farm workshops. Adult continuing education, rental of certified kitchen space. 5a) Picnic side yard 5b) Food Bank Gardens.

6.The Irrigation Ditch: This feature should qualify for Prior Cropland Conservation (PCC) with Department of Ecology, meaning that it can be used for food production. Contoured to maximize habitat niches and production, one side will be held in conservation, the other used for wildcrafting and aquaculture demos. Picnic table niches.

7.Aquaculture Greenhouse: Hydroponic greenhouse with multiple 4' deep tanks, each with food stock fish (tilapia, catfish, crayfish, etc). Size limited by available water; outflow will fertilize the hydroponics; polished outflow can be used for irrigation. Demo for $40k+/acre per year from organic farmed fish.

8.Working Farm: The 8a) working farm is set in the middle of the 8b) CSA lease lots, integrating animal husbandry into the farm landscape. Working farm 'rents' animals for onsite tractoring, mowing and other functions. Sheep, Goats and Cattle produce milk and cheese. In partnership with 4-H, FFA and the WSU Small Farms team, etc., education and other services are delivered. Children's petting farm, Animal Husbandry Education. Quarters for farm manager, caretaker, college interns and potentially leaseholders rental units. Meeting space for CSA, 4-H and FFA activities is located here. CSA lots divided by production hedgerows. Kapus Farmhouse?

9.Community Gardens/Pea Patches: Annual lease organic 9a) pea patches. Agreement comes with best organic practices orientation. Composting and integrated pest control units throughout. Additional lease price pays for tool locker. 9b) Located centrally, the children's play scape gives a central all-eyes can see location for kids to play safely while their parents garden. The playground is all natural, with a living woven willow fortress, see-saw logs, and a cob (adobe) playhouse, etc. Same with #21.

10.Conservation Wetlands: After invasive species removal and replanting with select natives the area associated with the Conservation Wetlands will be a highlight on the walking path; Interpretive signs, wildlife viewing and ecological systems observation will occur along the path and boardwalk. Soil, water, habitat conservation in core and borders, with margins providing additional benefits of wildcrafting of food and fiber products.

11.Master Gardeners Demonstration Gardens: A variety of demonstration gardens, from produce to native to ornamental, all showcased with the creative touch of the Master Gardeners educational staff and volunteers. Area also includes multiple education and work spaces, reflection pond, greenhouses, and “living machines”.

12.Food Forest Gardens: Specific plantings depend on the micro-climate of a given spot. To include five or more nuts, a dozen+ species of fruiting trees, and dozens of berry varieties, both native and cultivars, as well as perennial vegetables, herbs, etc. Organized according to ecological principals of a natural forest, fruit producers are supported by allied nitrogen fixers, mulchers and insectories for integrated pest and fertilization management. Ohio State University has shown that such practices can produce $80k and acre/annually. This demo can be available for “u-pick” purchases though much of the year.

13.Earthen Amphitheater: Terraced amphitheater with capacity for 300-400. Bring your camp chairs or a blanket and stretch out on the espalier lined terraces. Musical, theater and dance performance, a covered stage. Summer festival fundraisers, Lease option for large events, weddings, etc.

14.The Great Lodge: Auxiliary to the Community Center, #22. Indoor stage, practice and performance space downstairs, leased for events. Leased offices for licensed 'alternative' health care practitioners, such as acupuncturists, LMP's, herbalists and ND's. Great Lodge also houses all Media Services for Amphitheater. Next to the Great Lodge is a world class medicinal garden for temperate maritime climates.

15.Forestry Demos: All Forest management practices include habitat, soil, and water conservation demonstrations 15a) Existing stands 15b) 'Field to Forest' conversion project, demonstrating how to develop and plant the edges of small lot forests for habitat, conservation, foods, and control of wind and fire among other considerations. Production and marketing of secondary products (edible mushroom cultivation, floral greens, etc), fire prevention, harvest and sawyering edcuation. 15c) Heritage Savannah: The endangered Oak, Camas and Saxifrage ecosystem of SW Washington was a 'staple' food ecology for many PNW tribes. This demo provides heritage and ecology education, camas, root crops and acorns- in addition to recreation open space and tables for picnics under the sun.

16.Three Volcanoes Viewing Tower: View Loowit (St. Helens), Wy'East (Adams) and Pahtoe (Hood). Picnic areas.

17.The Upper Tool Shed: Site managers and staff's 'Upper" tool shed/workshop and guest rooms for short term visiting professionals, researchers, teachers.

18.Heirloom Heritage Monument: The graves of 200+ previous tenants of the Old Poor Farm lie here. A robust yet elegant stone monument commemorates their lives and memories, and a garden of heirloom fruits adorn this heritage site and resting place.

19.Vinyard Garden Terraces: Vineyard production area, provides u-pick opportunities. Grapes, kiwi, fig, hops, raspberries and a wide variety of other vineyard produce are all situated here in vineyard near the orchard terraces. Includes sculpture garden elements.

20.County Nursery: WSU and county Forester/ street trees programs production nursery and green house space Starting, grafting, heeling in, etc, of stock for projects both on and offsite. Direct work with volunteer organization such as Friends of trees, Street Trees USA, etc.

21.Community Center: Youth, adult and senior programing through VCPR, co-coordinates non=professional continuing education for the site. Occidental Health Services Clinic (on call nurse in conjunction with Peace Health, or Kaiser etc.) weight loss, nutrition, cardio & aerobic classes and spa rooms, youth and senior recreation rooms 21a) outdoor BB halfcourt and 9b) natural children's play scape. Connection to HAZEL DELL PARK.

Agriculture is Dead in Clark County? Really? Are you sure?

So I went to the 78th Street workshop last night and all I can say is WOW. What a turnout and what an awesome, intelligent, thoughtful, and community-conscious group of folks who participated. Looks like the TAC report got some heavy support thrown behind it by participants of the workshop (God bless you Deston) and people had all sorts of excellent ideas about how the property could be developed as a catalyst for the future of agriculture in Clark County and yet stay true to the historical, agricultural use of the site. Seems like we've come a long way from the relatively recent comments and reports that agriculture was dead in Clark County. Looks like it's time for a few folks to pull their chair up to the table and eat some crow...

I want to express my most sincere thanks to Commissioner Marc Boldt, the county planning staff, and the many volunteers who helped facilitate last night's workshop. Great job everyone!

And I'd like to let the members of the 78th Street Aggies how much I love you folks for all you did last night and for everything you do for our community every day. I know that many, many of the folks were there last night because of you. You are the lifeblood of the sustainable agriculture revolution taking place in our community. Here's to making the 78th Street site the heart of the revolution!

It was so cool to see folks from the Farm Bureau Clark County agriculture's "Old Guard", earthy young folks, CSA farmers, Master Gardeners, Vancouver Food Co-op members, Tom Wagner of Tater-Mater Seeds (independent plant breeder and educator extraordinaire) and the 2009 Tom Wagner Great Tater Mater Grow Out, the WSU Extension, folks who are just plain passionate about local agriculture and farming, young professionals, folks from the Clark County Food Bank Coalition, permaculture enthusiasts, Clark County's very own cowboy poet Boyd Johnson and ag geeks like yours truly all together and all working towards a common goal.

I am positively stoked about the energy that filled the Gaiser Middle School cafeteria. And at the end of the night, as we all strolled around the room and stuck our dots on the uses for 78th Street that we were in favor of, it was rapidly apparent that we have given our county government and WSU a mandate to develop the site as a center for agriculturally focused sustainability, education, research, community programs, and agriculture/food related recreation & business. development. Woo-Hoo!

We are on the verge of raising the national bar for what community supported sustainability and agriculture means. The 78th Street site has a long way to go before it represents the dreams of the participants in last night's workshop, but we're off to a strong start. Let's keep the momentum going!

If you missed the workshop or if you have never heard of the 78th Street/former WSU Extension/Old Poor Farm site, click on the links below and you can get up speed.

http://www.clark.wa.gov/78WSU/
http://www.abundancepermaculture.com/papers.html
http://clarkfoodfarm.blogspot.com/2009/03/wsu-78th-st-master-plan-whats-happening.html
http://clarkfoodfarm.blogspot.com/2009/03/wsu78th-street-project-update.html
http://clarkfoodfarm.blogspot.com/2009/03/comment-regarding-wsu78th-street.html
http://clarkfoodfarm.blogspot.com/2009/03/78th-street-aggies.html
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=59654344791&ref=nf
http://clarkfoodfarm.blogspot.com/2009/03/78th-street-project-april-9th-workshop.html